The Devil Is a Lie cover

The Devil Is a Lie

Rick Ross · 2013

5 min · 1 track · trap music

A gritty anthem blending booming bass lines with confident verses, encapsulating the struggles and triumphs of street life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Devil Is a Lie — This title track serves as a powerful declaration against betrayal and deceit, featuring dynamic verses that highlight Ross's lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong production and confident delivery but lacks depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

  • The track features a heavy bass line that drives the rhythm, creating an aggressive and commanding presence.
  • Rick Ross delivers his verses with a confident flow, alternating between rapid-fire delivery and drawn-out phrases to emphasize key lines.
  • The production includes layered synths and percussion that build intensity, particularly in the chorus where the instrumentation swells.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This single solidified Rick Ross's presence in mainstream hip-hop during his commercial peak.
Career context
Released in late 2013, 'The Devil Is a Lie' came during Rick Ross's commercial peak, following his successful album 'God Forgives, I Don't' from 2012. This track marked a shift toward collaborations that emphasized his powerful presence in mainstream hip-hop, showcasing his ability to navigate both commercial and hardcore realms.
Stylistic neighbors
Jeezy· Gucci Mane· T.I.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Devil Is a Lie 5:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata